High School Teacher by Day, Pro CX Racer by Winter

Dai Endurance’s featured athlete of the first week in August is Caroline Nolan! Caroline recently decided to get a coach again for her 2018-2019 cyclocross season and who else but our amazing Julie Young because “Last year – I didn’t have a coach. I was getting back into CX and racing a lot of the Sacramento Series. Julie was always there and motivating me to go faster. She is so easy to talk to and so knowledgeable about training on and off the bike. I knew that if I was going to start working with a coach again- Julie was the best fit!” -Caroline.

Here’s some info on our fantastic CX racer!!

What do you do in real life?

I’m a High School Biology Teacher. I love working with kids and encouraging them to reach their potential. Depending on the year, I’ve also coached Girls’ Soccer or helped coach the high school mountain bike team. I’m currently in the process of starting a new mountain bike team in Chico!

What are your weaknesses?

So much of racing and training is mental. It’s a lot about how you are feeling and the state-of-mind you are in. I think it’s easy to get into your head and forget why you race or that training and racing should be fun. On those days, where I start thinking “oh I missed my numbers” or “I’m not fast enough”, that’s my biggest weakness. Otherwise, sprinting.

Why are you training?

Racing and riding are addicting. Competition gives me such a natural rush and I love seeing what I am capable of. I’m training because I want to push myself and see what I am capable of on the Pro Cyclocross Circuit.

Do you partake in any Dai Endurance Classes/Training/Fitting?

Not yet – but hopefully soon!

Favorite piece of technology for training?

My Rocklobster CX bike. Good old fashioned technology 🙂 But I am a data nerd and do really like my power meter.

If you could spend 10 days anywhere, where would it be?

Norway – but probably way longer than 10 days because there are so many trails and so many incredible roads to ride that 10 days would never be enough!

Do you have a pre-ride/run routine? Food you enjoy before?

I really like the stability / hip strength workouts that Julie gives me. I’ve been enjoying doing those exercises to activate my muscles before I ride or run. For pre-ride food – I’m a big fan of vegan protein shakes filled with lots of fruit or if it’s before a race – eggs, avocado and rice.

What is your favorite food to eat post training?

Post training – If I can get my hands on a gluten free cookie – that’s my go to for a quick calorie fix. But, usually I’ll make eggs, kale, and rice or some other gluten free savory dish.

Do you enjoy coffee/espresso or tea? What’s your preferred brand?

I have a slight coffee addiction so have to limit myself to one cup a day. I’m a big fan of Acre Coffee from my home town of Petaluma or Equator Coffee from Marin County.

Tea – I love Ginger Tea and Rooibos Tea.

Why do you train with Dai Endurance?

Last year – I didn’t have a coach. I was getting back into CX and racing a lot of the Sacramento Series. Julie was always there and motivating me to go faster. She is so easy to talk to and so knowledgeable about training on and off the bike. I knew that if I was going to start working with a coach again- Julie was the best fit!